Have you ever thought about all the ways we refer to time? This summer, as I recounted to someone something that had happened I thought quite recently I then realized it was in fact several years ago. I asked, “Does time move faster as we get older?” It feels that way some days. Here it is mid-September and I can’t believe where the days have gone. They have been absorbed in planning, starting activities at the church, continuing my resolve to “let go of things” and keeping up with yard work and gardening that never seems to end given this glorious summer weather that continues into autumn.
So how have you been spending your time? Have you been saving time or wasting time? Have you been marking time or passing time? Have you been watching time pass or letting time slip through your fingers? I have already bought my calendar for 2019 and started writing in things I need to remember. This week my watch broke and I keep looking at my naked wrist to check the time. It is interesting when we think of time as a commodity. This morning, at church, the services went a little longer than usual. Not surprising it was mentioned to me that they were overtime! What is it about time that is so important to us that we watch it so? We think activities should start and end on time. But really what does it matter? Time is, well time, unless you happen to think, “Time is money”! In the end, I realize I have a love-hate relationship with time. There is never enough of it until time hangs heavy in my hands.
We have three people in the congregation whose health if failing. Time is short for them. In each case the family stands at the bedside and wishes to hold back time, to hold onto time, to treasure this precious time. For them there is just not enough time.
One of my favourite verses of scripture is from the Psalms, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” So that is the secret, to use our time wisely. Time is short. Hug the ones you love and hold on tight.
